Catholic Charities USA President and CEO Responds to State of the Union

“We feel an urgency to also place a priority on addressing more effective methods

for

delivering vital services to those most vulnerable among us”

Alexandria, VA

–

Rev. Larry Snyder, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) responds to the

President’s State of the Union:

“Catholic Charities USA was heartened by the

initiatives outlined by President Obama in this evening'sState of the Union speech that have the potential to improve the lives of many. We were very

encouraged by the President’s discussion on immigration and the recognition of the need for increased

access to quality education and job training as important pathways to opportunity. However, we feel anurgency to also place a priority on addressing more effective methods for delivering vital services tothose most vulnerable among us.

“While there is a

very robust discussion occurring in Washington today about how much money shouldbe spent on various federal programs that serve the poor, few are engaged in conversation about howbetter to administer those services, how to maximize efficiency in delivery and how to identify newsolutions to prevent and alleviate poverty at large. We are hopeful that moving forward the Presidentwill lead a national conversation about identifying new methods and strategies for lifting moreAmericans onto a path of opportunity and self-sufficiency in a way that is economically sustainable for

the nation, ensuring not just an ‘America Built to Last’, but an ‘America Built to Last –

For All.’

“While the President discussed a deficit of trust between Main Street and Wall Stre

et, CCUSA remains

focused on addressing the needs of those on Back Street. At the moment, our nation’s safety net

system is focused on helping these people get by, when we should be making sure they thrive. We need

comprehensive reform of the nation’s se

rvice delivery system that is market driven, results oriented andlocally controlled, enabling the country to permanently make a difference in the lives of those living inpoverty, and establishing accountability for the investment of taxpayer dollars."We recognize that the challenge at hand is great, but with great challenge comes great opportunity.Catholic Charities USA embraces this challenge and looks forward to working with the President toensure we fulfill the moral responsibility of creating opportunity for everyone, ensuring an America built

than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies haveworked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging fromhealth care and job training to food and housing.